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Zhu H, Roelands J, Ahmed EI, Stouten I, Hoorntje R, van Vlierberghe RLP, Ijsselsteijn ME, Lei X, de Miranda NFCC, Tollenaar RAEM, Vahrmeijer AL, Bedognetti D, Hendrickx WRL, Kuppen PJK. Location matters: spatial dynamics of tumor-infiltrating T cell subsets is prognostic in colon cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1293618. [PMID: 38375478 PMCID: PMC10875018 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1293618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Colon cancer is a heterogeneous disease and consists of various molecular subtypes. Despite advances in high-throughput expression profiling, limitations remain in predicting clinical outcome and assigning specific treatment to individual cases. Tumor-immune interactions play a critical role, with tumors that activate the immune system having better outcome for the patient. The localization of T cells within tumor epithelium, to enable direct contact, is essential for antitumor function, but bulk DNA/RNA sequencing data lacks spatial distribution information. In this study, we provide spatial T cell tumor distribution and connect these data with previously determined genomic data in the AC-ICAM colon cancer patient cohort. Methods Colon cancer patients (n=90) with transcriptome data available were selected. We used a custom multiplex immunofluorescence assay on colon tumor tissue sections for quantifying T cell subsets spatial distribution in the tumor microenvironment, in terms of cell number, location, mutual distance, and distance to tumor cells. Statistical analyses included the previously determined Immunologic Constant of Rejection (ICR) transcriptome correlation and patient survival, revealing potential prognostic value in T cell spatial distribution. Results T cell phenotypes were characterized and CD3+CD8-FoxP3- T cells were found to be the predominant tumor-infiltrating subtype while CD3+FoxP3+ T cells and CD3+CD8+ T cells showed similar densities. Spatial distribution analysis elucidated that proliferative T cells, characterized by Ki67 expression, and Granzyme B-expressing T cells were predominantly located within the tumor epithelium. We demonstrated an increase in immune cell density and a decrease in the distance of CD3+CD8+ T cells to the nearest tumor cell, in the immune active, ICR High, immune subtypes. Higher densities of stromal CD3+FoxP3+ T cells showed enhanced survival outcomes, and patients exhibited superior clinical benefits when greater spatial distances were observed between CD3+CD8-FoxP3- or CD3+CD8+ T cells and CD3+FoxP3+ T cells. Conclusion Our study's in-depth analysis of the spatial distribution and densities of major T cell subtypes within the tumor microenvironment has provided valuable information that paves the way for further research into the intricate relationships between immune cells and colon cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hehuan Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jessica Roelands
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Translational Medicine Division, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eiman I. Ahmed
- Translational Medicine Division, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Imke Stouten
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Rachel Hoorntje
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Xin Lei
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Davide Bedognetti
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
- Kite, A Gilead Company, Santa Monica, CA, United States
| | - Wouter R. L. Hendrickx
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Peter J. K. Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Köhn P, Lalos A, Posabella A, Wilhelm A, Tampakis A, Caner E, Güth U, Stadlmann S, Spagnoli GC, Piscuoglio S, Richarz S, Delko T, Droeser RA, Singer G. High density of CXCL12-positive immune cell infiltration predicts chemosensitivity and recurrence-free survival in ovarian carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17943-17955. [PMID: 37966614 PMCID: PMC10725329 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05466-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian carcinoma is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy because of its late diagnosis, extremely high recurrence rate, and limited curative treatment options. In clinical practice, high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) predominates due to its frequency, high aggressiveness, and rapid development of drug resistance. Recent evidence suggests that CXCL12 is an important immunological factor in ovarian cancer progression. Therefore, we investigated the predictive and prognostic significance of the expression of this chemokine in tumor and immune cells in patients with HGSC. METHODS We studied a cohort of 47 primary high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas and their associated recurrences. A tissue microarray was constructed to evaluate the CXCL12 immunostained tumor tissue. CXCL12 expression was evaluated and statistically analyzed to correlate clinicopathologic data, overall survival, and recurrence-free survival. RESULTS A high proportion of CXCL12 + positive immune cells in primary ovarian serous carcinoma correlated significantly with chemosensitivity (p = 0.005), overall survival (p = 0.021), and longer recurrence-free survival (p = 0.038). In recurrent disease, high expression of CXCL12 was also correlated with better overall survival (p = 0.040). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that high CXCL12 + tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) (HR 0.99, p = 0.042, HR 0.99, p = 0.023, respectively) and combined CXCL12 + /CD66b + infiltration (HR 0.15, p = 0.001, HR 0.13, p = 0.001, respectively) are independent favorable predictive markers for recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSION A high density of CXCL12 + TICs predicts a good response to chemotherapy, leading to a better overall survival and a longer recurrence-free interval. Moreover, with concomitant high CXCL12/CD66b TIC density, it is an independent favorable predictor of recurrence-free survival in patients with ovarian carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Köhn
- University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (Clarunis), University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Alexandros Lalos
- University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (Clarunis), University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Posabella
- University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (Clarunis), University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Wilhelm
- University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (Clarunis), University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Athanasios Tampakis
- University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (Clarunis), University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ercan Caner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Schönbeinstrasse 40, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Güth
- Brustzentrum Zürich, Seefeldstrasse 214, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sylvia Stadlmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Pathology, Kantonsspital Baden AG, Im Ergel 1, 5404, Baden, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Sabine Richarz
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tarik Delko
- Chirurgie Zentrum Zentralschweiz/Surgical Center Central-Switzerland, Ärztehaus, St. Anna-Strasse 32, Lützelmatt 1, 6006, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Raoul A Droeser
- University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (Clarunis), University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Gad Singer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Pathology, Kantonsspital Baden AG, Im Ergel 1, 5404, Baden, Switzerland
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3
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Chen ZH, Lin YL, Chen SQ, Yang XY. Identification of necroptosis-related lncRNAs for prognosis prediction and screening of potential drugs in patients with colorectal cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:1951-1973. [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i11.1951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor recurrence and metastasis lead to a poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Necroptosis is closely related to the tumor microenvironment (TME) and affects tumor recurrence and metastasis. We aimed to stratify CRC patients according to necroptosis-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which can be used to not only evaluate prognosis and improve precision medicine in clinical practice but also screen potential immunotherapy drugs.
AIM To stratify CRC patients according to necroptosis-related lncRNAs (NRLs), which can be used to not only evaluate prognosis and improve precision medicine in clinical practice but also screen potential immunotherapy drugs.
METHODS LncRNA expression profiles were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas. NRLs were identified by coexpression analysis. Cox regression analysis identified a NRL signature. Then, the value of this signature was comprehensively and multidimensionally evaluated, and its reliability for CRC prognosis prediction was assessed with clinical CRC data and compared with that of six other lncRNA signatures. Gene set enrichment analysis, TME analysis and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) prediction were also performed according to the risk score (RS) of the signature.
RESULTS An 8-lncRNA signature significantly associated with overall survival (OS) was constructed, and its reliability was validated with clinical CRC data. Most of the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) values for 1-, 3- and 5-year OS for this signature were higher than those for the other six lncRNA signatures. OS, disease-specific survival and the progression-free interval were all significantly poorer in the high-risk group. The RS of the signature showed good concordance with the predicted prognosis, with AUCs for 1-, 3- and 5-year OS of 0.79, 0.81 and 0.77, respectively. Additionally, the calibration plots for this signature combined with clinical factors showed that this combination could effectively improve the ability to predict OS. The RS was correlated with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. Most of the enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology terms were tumor metastasis-related pathways in the high-risk group; these patients showed greater infiltration of immunosuppressive cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, hematopoietic stem cells and M2 macrophages, but less infiltration of infiltrating antitumor effector immune cells, such as cluster of differentiation 8+ T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs). We explored additional potential immune checkpoint genes and potential immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic drugs with relatively low IC50 values.
CONCLUSION We identified an NRL signature with strong fidelity that could stably predict prognosis and might be an indicator of the TME of CRC. Furthermore, additional potential immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic drugs were explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hua Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350212, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yi-Lin Lin
- Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Shao-Qin Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350212, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Yang
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
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4
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Chen Z, Li Q, Lin Y, Lin S, Gao J, Chen S. m5C regulator-mediated methylation modification phenotypes characterized by distinct tumor microenvironment immune heterogenicity in colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11950. [PMID: 37488178 PMCID: PMC10366215 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37300-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modification has been demonstrated to be an important epigenetic regulator and to impact colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. However, the potential roles of m5C modification in immune cell infiltration in the CRC tumor microenvironment (TME) remain unknown. The m5C modification phenotypes were comprehensively evaluated based on 14 m5C regulators in a meta-CRC cohort of 1792 patients and systematically correlated with the m5C modification phenotypes, immune cell infiltration characteristics and known biological processes. The m5Cscore model was constructed by principal component analysis (PCA) algorithms to quantify the m5C modification phenotypes of individual CRC samples and was used to predict the immunotherapy response. We identified three m5C modification phenotypes associated with distinct clinical outcomes and biological processes among the 1792 meta-CRC patients. Three phenotypes with a highly consistent TME landscape and characteristics were revealed: immune excluded, immune desert and immune inflammation. The meta-CRC patients were divided into high and low m5Cscore subgroups based on the m5Cscore. The m5Cscore was confirmed to have a negative correlation with infiltrating immune cells and PD-L1 expression and a positive correlation with tumor mutation burden (TMB), mutation rate and microsatellite instability (MSI) score. Moreover, patients in the low m5Cscore group had better immunotherapy responses and significant durable survival benefits in independent anti-PD-1/L1 immunotherapy cohorts for the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapeutic strategy. This study revealed that m5C modification plays a crucial role in TME composition and complexity. Comprehensive evaluation of the m5C modification phenotypes of individual patients will enhance our understanding of TME characteristics and promote the application of more appropriate and personalized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Quanfa Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Yilin Lin
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Suyong Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Ji Gao
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Shaoqin Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
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Martínez-Torró C, Alba-Castellón L, Carrasco-Díaz LM, Serna N, Imedio L, Gallardo A, Casanova I, Unzueta U, Vázquez E, Mangues R, Villaverde A. Lymphocyte infiltration and antitumoral effect promoted by cytotoxic inflammatory proteins formulated as self-assembling, protein-only nanoparticles. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114976. [PMID: 37276641 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Two human proteins involved in the inflammatory cell death, namely Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and the Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like (MLKL) protein have been engineered to accommodate an efficient ligand of the tumoral cell marker CXCR4, and a set of additional peptide agents that allow their spontaneous self-assembling. Upon production in bacterial cells and further purification, both proteins organized as stable nanoparticles of 46 and 54 nm respectively, that show, in this form, a moderate but dose-dependent cytotoxicity in cell culture. In vivo, and when administered in mouse models of colorectal cancer through repeated doses, the nanoscale forms of tumor-targeted GSDMD and, at a lesser extent, of MLKL promoted CD8+ and CD20+ lymphocyte infiltration in the tumor and an important reduction of tumor size, in absence of systemic toxicity. The potential of these novel pharmacological agents as anticancer drugs is discussed in the context of synergistic approaches to more effective cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martínez-Torró
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Lorena Alba-Castellón
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Carrasco-Díaz
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
| | - Naroa Serna
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laura Imedio
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
| | - Alberto Gallardo
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Pathology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isolda Casanova
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ramón Mangues
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain.
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
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6
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Lobbes LA, Schütze MA, Droeser R, Arndt M, Pozios I, Lauscher JC, Hering NA, Weixler B. Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor M3 Expression and Survival in Human Colorectal Carcinoma-An Unexpected Correlation to Guide Future Treatment? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098198. [PMID: 37175905 PMCID: PMC10179005 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 (M3R) has repeatedly been shown to be prominently expressed in human colorectal cancer (CRC), playing roles in proliferation and cell invasion. Its therapeutic targetability has been suggested in vitro and in animal models. We aimed to investigate the clinical role of MR3 expression in CRC for human survival. Surgical tissue samples from 754 CRC patients were analyzed for high or low immunohistochemical M3R expression on a clinically annotated tissue microarray (TMA). Immunohistochemical analysis was performed for established immune cell markers (CD8, TIA-1, FOXP3, IL 17, CD16 and OX 40). We used Kaplan-Meier curves to evaluate patients' survival and multivariate Cox regression analysis to evaluate prognostic significance. High M3R expression was associated with increased survival in multivariate (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.35-0.78; p = 0.001) analysis, as was TIA-1 expression (HR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.94-0.99; p = 0.014). Tumors with high M3R expression were significantly more likely to be grade 2 compared to tumors with low M3R expression (85.7% vs. 67.1%, p = 0.002). The 5-year survival analysis showed a trend of a higher survival rate in patients with high M3R expression (46%) than patients with low M3R expression CRC (42%) (p = 0.073). In contrast to previous in vitro and animal model findings, this study demonstrates an increased survival for CRC patients with high M3R expression. This evidence is highly relevant for translation of basic research findings into clinically efficient treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard A Lobbes
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel A Schütze
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Raoul Droeser
- Clarunis, Department of Visceral Surgery, University Centre for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Arndt
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ioannis Pozios
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes C Lauscher
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina A Hering
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Weixler
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
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7
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Duizer C, de Zoete MR. The Role of Microbiota-Derived Metabolites in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8024. [PMID: 37175726 PMCID: PMC10178193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of bacterial members of the microbiota on the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) has become clear in recent years. However, exactly how bacteria contribute to the development of cancer is often still up for debate. The impact of bacteria-derived metabolites, which can influence the development of CRC either in a promoting or inhibiting manner, is undeniable. Here, we discuss the effects of the most well-studied bacteria-derived metabolites associated with CRC, including secondary bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide and indoles. We show that the effects of individual metabolites on CRC development are often nuanced and dose- and location-dependent. In the coming years, the array of metabolites involved in CRC development will undoubtedly increase further, which will emphasize the need to focus on causation and mechanisms and the clearly defined roles of bacterial species within the microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcel R. de Zoete
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
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8
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Metformin enhances T lymphocyte anti-tumor immunity by increasing the infiltration via vessel normalization. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 944:175592. [PMID: 36804835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal tumor vasculature blocks the extravasation of T lymphocytes into the tumor, thereby suppressing anti-tumor immunity. Recently, metformin has been shown to affect tumor vasculature and enhance T lymphocyte anti-tumor immunity. However, whether or how metformin affects T lymphocyte anti-tumor immunity via a vascular mechanism remains poorly understood. Herein, we show that a large number of CD8+ lymphocytes gathered in the peri-tumoral region, while very few infiltrated the tumor. Metformin administration increased the expression of anti-tumor immunity-associated genes and the number of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes. Injection of CD8 but not CD4 neutralization antibody into tumor-bearing mice significantly abrogated the anti-tumor effect of metformin. Critically, CD8+ lymphocytes were found to pass through the wall of perfused vessel. Further results of immunofluorescent staining showed that metformin greatly elevated tumor perfusion, which was accompanied by increased vascular maturity in the intratumoral region (ITR) but not peritumoral region (PTR). These findings provide evidence for the vascular mechanism involved in metformin-induced enhancement of T lymphocyte anti-tumor immunity. By remodeling the abnormal tumor vasculature, also called vessel normalization metformin increases vascular maturity and tumor perfusion, thus allowing more CD8+ lymphocytes to infiltrate the tumor.
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9
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Shin AE, Giancotti FG, Rustgi AK. Metastatic colorectal cancer: mechanisms and emerging therapeutics. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:222-236. [PMID: 36828759 PMCID: PMC10365888 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains a lethal disease with an approximately 14% 5-year survival rate. While early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) can be cured by surgery with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, mCRC cannot be eradicated due to a large burden of disseminated cancer cells comprising therapy-resistant metastasis-competent cells. To address this gap, recent studies have focused on further elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying colorectal metastasis and recognizing the limitations of available therapeutic interventions. In this review, we discuss newfound factors that regulate CRC cell dissemination and colonization of distant organs, such as genetic mutations, identification of metastasis-initiating cells (MICs), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the tumor microenvironment (TME). We also review current treatments for mCRC, therapeutic regimens undergoing clinical trials, and trending preclinical studies being investigated to target treatment-resistant mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice E Shin
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Filippo G Giancotti
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anil K Rustgi
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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10
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Simultaneous analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cells density, tumor budding status, and presence of lymphoid follicles in CRC tissue. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21732. [PMID: 36526699 PMCID: PMC9758132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26225-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) affects more than 1,000,000 people worldwide each year. Recently, the number of young patients with early-onset colorectal cancer has increased, and right-sided colorectal cancer is still often diagnosed only in advanced stages. The TNM classification is not perfect for CRC staging. This study aimed to perform, for the first time, simultaneous analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cell density, presence of lymphoid follicles, and budding status in CRC tissue. Intraoperative samples of neoplastic tissue were collected from 195 consecutive patients who were admitted to the surgical ward for elective colorectal surgery. Histological parameters were assessed in the tissue samples: tumor budding foci, poorly differentiated clusters and areas of poorly differentiated components. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells (tumor-associated neutrophils and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes) were detected in five randomly chosen, areas at the tumor center and at the invasive front. Additionally, the presence of lymphoid follicles in CRC tissue was assessed. Tumor budding parameters were positively correlated with colorectal cancer advancement or histologic (mucinous) type of CRC. The number of poorly differentiated clusters was higher in younger patients. Lower densities of CD3 and CD4 lymphocytes were seen in CRC with a greater depth of tumor invasion. Lower densities of CD3 and CD8 lymphocytes were found in CRC with metastases to the surrounding lymph nodes. The lower density of CD8 lymphocytes was observed in CRC with distant metastases. Lower densities of tumor-associated neutrophils and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD3 and CD8) were revealed in CRC without lymphoid follicles. The number of lymphoid follicles was higher in patients with less advanced CRCs. Three histopathology markers, such as high tumor budding, scanty lymphocyte infiltration, and the poverty of lymphoid follicles, complement each other, appear to be reliable indicators of colorectal cancer progression, and could be useful in everyday medical practice, but their widespread use requires further research. We propose to take into account these markers, in the assessment of colorectal cancer advancement, in addition to the TNM classification.
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11
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Wilhelm A, Lemmenmeier I, Lalos A, Posabella A, Kancherla V, Piscuoglio S, Delko T, von Flüe M, Glatz K, Droeser RA. The prognostic significance of CXCR4 and SDF-1 in differentiated thyroid cancer depends on CD8+ density. BMC Endocr Disord 2022; 22:292. [PMID: 36419107 PMCID: PMC9686066 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-022-01204-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor infiltration with cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells is associated with a favorable outcome in several neoplasms, including thyroid cancer. The chemokine axis CXCR4/SDF-1 correlates with more aggressive tumors, but little is known concerning the prognostic relevance in relation to the tumor immune microenvironment of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). METHODS A tissue microarray (TMA) of 37 tumor specimens of primary DTC was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the expression of CD8+, CXCR4, phosphorylated CXCR4 and SDF-1. A survival analysis was performed on a larger collective (n = 456) at RNA level using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) papillary thyroid cancer cohort. RESULTS Among the 37 patients in the TMA-cohort, the density of CD8+ was higher in patients with less advanced primary tumors (median cells/TMA-punch: 12.5 (IQR: 6.5, 12.5) in T1-2 tumors vs. 5 (IQR: 3, 8) in T3-4 tumors, p = 0.05). In the TCGA-cohort, CXCR4 expression was higher in patients with cervical lymph node metastasis compared to N0 or Nx stage (CXCR4high/low 116/78 vs. 97/116 vs. 14/35, respectively, p = 0.001). Spearman's correlation analysis of the TMA-cohort demonstrated that SDF-1 was significantly correlated with CXCR4 (r = 0.4, p = 0.01) and pCXCR4 (r = 0.5, p = 0.002). In the TCGA-cohort, density of CD8+ correlated with CXCR4 and SDF-1 expression (r = 0.58, p < 0.001; r = 0.4, p < 0.001). The combined marker analysis of the TCGA cohort demonstrated that high expression of both, CXCR4 and SDF-1 was associated with reduced overall survival in the CD8 negative TCGA cohort (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the prognostic significance of CXCR4 and SDF-1 in differentiated thyroid cancer depends on the density of CD8 positive T-lymphocytes. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to support our findings and inform future investigations of new treatment and diagnostic options for a more personalized approach for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Wilhelm
- Department of Surgery, Clarunis, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Postfach, 4002, Switzerland.
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Isabelle Lemmenmeier
- Department of Surgery, Clarunis, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Postfach, 4002, Switzerland
| | - Alexandros Lalos
- Department of Surgery, Clarunis, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Postfach, 4002, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Posabella
- Department of Surgery, Clarunis, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Postfach, 4002, Switzerland
| | - Venkatesh Kancherla
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Salvatore Piscuoglio
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Visceral Surgery Research Laboratory, Clarunis, Department of Biomedicine, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tarik Delko
- Department of Surgery, Clarunis, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Postfach, 4002, Switzerland
- Department of Surgery, Hirslanden Hospital St. Anna, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Markus von Flüe
- Department of Surgery, Clarunis, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Postfach, 4002, Switzerland
- Visceral Surgery Research Laboratory, Clarunis, Department of Biomedicine, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin Glatz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raoul André Droeser
- Department of Surgery, Clarunis, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Postfach, 4002, Switzerland
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12
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Surendran S, Aboelkheir U, Tu AA, Magner WJ, Sigurdson SL, Merzianu M, Hicks WL, Suresh A, Kirkwood KL, Kuriakose MA. T-Cell Infiltration and Immune Checkpoint Expression Increase in Oral Cavity Premalignant and Malignant Disorders. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1840. [PMID: 36009387 PMCID: PMC9404942 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune cell niche associated with oral dysplastic lesion progression to carcinoma is poorly understood. We identified T regulatory cells (Treg), CD8+ effector T cells (Teff) and immune checkpoint molecules across oral dysplastic stages of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). OPMD and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissue sections (N = 270) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for Treg (CD4, CD25 and FoxP3), Teff (CD8) and immune checkpoint molecules (PD-1 and PD-L1). The Treg marker staining intensity correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with presence of higher dysplasia grade and invasive cancer. These data suggest that Treg infiltration is relatively early in dysplasia and may be associated with disease progression. The presence of CD8+ effector T cells and the immune checkpoint markers PD-1 and PD-L1 were also associated with oral cancer progression (p < 0.01). These observations indicate the induction of an adaptive immune response with similar Treg and Teff recruitment timing and, potentially, the early induction of exhaustion. FoxP3 and PD-L1 levels were closely correlated with CD8 levels (p < 0.01). These data indicate the presence of reinforcing mechanisms contributing to the immune suppressive niche in high-risk OPMD and in OSCC. The presence of an adaptive immune response and T-cell exhaustion suggest that an effective immune response may be reactivated with targeted interventions coupled with immune checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subin Surendran
- Head & Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (S.S.); (U.A.); (A.A.T.); (W.J.M.); (S.L.S.); (W.L.H.J.); (A.S.)
| | - Usama Aboelkheir
- Head & Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (S.S.); (U.A.); (A.A.T.); (W.J.M.); (S.L.S.); (W.L.H.J.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrew A. Tu
- Head & Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (S.S.); (U.A.); (A.A.T.); (W.J.M.); (S.L.S.); (W.L.H.J.); (A.S.)
| | - William J. Magner
- Head & Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (S.S.); (U.A.); (A.A.T.); (W.J.M.); (S.L.S.); (W.L.H.J.); (A.S.)
| | - S. Lynn Sigurdson
- Head & Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (S.S.); (U.A.); (A.A.T.); (W.J.M.); (S.L.S.); (W.L.H.J.); (A.S.)
| | - Mihai Merzianu
- Pathology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
| | - Wesley L. Hicks
- Head & Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (S.S.); (U.A.); (A.A.T.); (W.J.M.); (S.L.S.); (W.L.H.J.); (A.S.)
| | - Amritha Suresh
- Head & Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (S.S.); (U.A.); (A.A.T.); (W.J.M.); (S.L.S.); (W.L.H.J.); (A.S.)
- Integrated Head and Neck Oncology Program, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation Bangalore, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Keith L. Kirkwood
- Periodontics and Endodontics, University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA;
| | - Moni A. Kuriakose
- Head & Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (S.S.); (U.A.); (A.A.T.); (W.J.M.); (S.L.S.); (W.L.H.J.); (A.S.)
- Integrated Head and Neck Oncology Program, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation Bangalore, Bangalore 560099, India
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13
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Wozniakova M, Skarda J, Raska M. The Role of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Response in Colorectal Cancer Development and Prognosis. Pathol Oncol Res 2022; 28:1610502. [PMID: 35936516 PMCID: PMC9350736 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2022.1610502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The patient’s prognosis largely depends on the tumor stage at diagnosis. The pathological TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors (pTNM) staging of surgically resected cancers represents the main prognostic factor and guidance for decision-making in CRC patients. However, this approach alone is insufficient as a prognostic predictor because clinical outcomes in patients at the same histological tumor stage can still differ. Recently, significant progress in the treatment of CRC has been made due to improvements in both chemotherapy and surgical management. Immunotherapy-based approaches are one of the most rapidly developing areas of tumor therapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the tumor microenvironment (TME), immune response and its interactions with CRC development, immunotherapy and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Wozniakova
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Maria Wozniakova,
| | - Jozef Skarda
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Milan Raska
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
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14
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Walther F, Berther JL, Lalos A, Ramser M, Eichelberger S, Mechera R, Soysal S, Muenst S, Posabella A, Güth U, Stadlmann S, Terracciano L, Droeser RA, Zeindler J, Singer G. High ratio of pCXCR4/CXCR4 tumor infiltrating immune cells in primary high grade ovarian cancer is indicative for response to chemotherapy. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:376. [PMID: 35397601 PMCID: PMC8994232 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09374-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the fifth most common malignant female cancer with a high mortality, mainly because of aggressive high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSOC), but also due to absence of specific early symptoms and effective detection strategies. The CXCL12-CXCR4 axis is considered to have a prognostic impact and to serve as potential therapeutic target. Therefore we investigated the role of pCXCR4 and CXCR4 expression of the tumor cells and of tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIC) in high-grade serous OC and their association with the recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS).
Methods
A tissue microarray of 47 primary high grade ovarian serous carcinomas and their recurrences was stained with primary antibodies directed against CXCR4 and pCXCR4. Beside the evaluation of the absolute tumor as well as TIC expression in primary and recurrent cancer biopsies the corresponding ratios for pCXCR4 and CXCR4 were generated and analyzed. The clinical endpoints were response to chemotherapy, OS as well as RFS.
Results
Patients with a high pCXCR4/CXCR4 TIC ratio in primary cancer biopsies showed a significant longer RFS during the first two years (p = 0.025). However, this effect was lost in the long-term analysis including a follow-up period of 5 years (p = 0.128). Interestingly, the Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that a high pCXCR4/CXCR4 TIC ratio in primary cancer independently predicts longer RFS (HR 0.33; 95CI 0.13 - 0.81; p = 0.015). Furthermore a high dichotomized distribution of CXCR4 positive tumor expression in recurrent cancer biopsies showed a significantly longer 6-month RFS rate (p = 0.018) in comparison to patients with low CXCR4 positive tumor expression. However, this effect was not independent of known risk factors in a Multivariate Cox regression (HR 0.57; 95CI 0.24 - 1.33; p = 0.193).
Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge we show for the first time that a high pCXCR4/CXCR4 TIC ratio in primary HGSOC biopsies is indicative for better RFS and response to chemotherapy.
Highlights
• We observed a significant association between high pCXCR4/CXCR4 TIC ratio and better RFS in primary cancer biopsies, especially during the early postoperative follow-up and independent of known risk factors for recurrence.
• High CXCR4 tumor expression in recurrent HGSOC biopsies might be indicative for sensitivity to chemotherapy. We found evidence that at the beginning of the disease (early follow-up) the role of the immune response seems to be the most crucial factor for progression. On the other hand in recurrent/progressive disease the biology of the tumor itself becomes more important for prognosis.
• We explored for the first time the predictive and prognostic role of pCXCR4/CXCR4 TIC ratio in high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
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15
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Goïta AA, Guenot D. Colorectal Cancer: The Contribution of CXCL12 and Its Receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071810. [PMID: 35406582 PMCID: PMC8997717 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Many signaling pathways are involved in cancer progression, and among these pathways, the CXCL12 axis and its two receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 are well described for many cancers. This review presents the current knowledge on the role played by each of the actors of this axis in colorectal cancer and on its consideration in the development of new therapeutic strategies. Abstract Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers, and diagnosis at late metastatic stages is the main cause of death related to this cancer. This progression to metastasis is complex and involves different molecules such as the chemokine CXCL12 and its two receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7. The high expression of receptors in CRC is often associated with a poor prognosis and aggressiveness of the tumor. The interaction of CXCL12 and its receptors activates signaling pathways that induce chemotaxis, proliferation, migration, and cell invasion. To this end, receptor inhibitors were developed, and their use in preclinical and clinical studies is ongoing. This review provides an overview of studies involving CXCR4 and CXCR7 in CRC with an update on their targeting in anti-cancer therapies.
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16
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Rathinagopal T, Bhanot S, Yegrov S, Min J, Hu N, Fang J, Greene TH, Varma Shrivastav S, Singh H, Shrivastav A. N-myristoyltransferase 2-based Blood Test for the Detection of Colorectal Adenomatous Polyps and Cancer. ANNALS OF SURGERY OPEN 2022; 3:e117. [PMID: 37600093 PMCID: PMC10431588 DOI: 10.1097/as9.0000000000000117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. This study demonstrates the utility of a simple blood test with high sensitivity and specificity for colorectal adenomatous polyps and cancer. A simple blood test with high sensitivity and specificity for adenomas would help identify individuals for a follow-up colonoscopy during which any adenomatous polyps found could be removed, thus preventing colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods We determined the H-score by using immunohistochemical analyses of N-myristoyltransferase 2 (NMT2) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from the blood. We determined the sensitivity and specificity of the NMT2-based blood test in identifying colorectal adenomatous polyps and cancer. Design All experimental procedures were performed by research personnel blinded to the colonoscopy status of the participants. Setting In this cohort study, participants were recruited from those coming for an outpatient colonoscopy at a referral center. Participants PBMC were collected from 74 subjects at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Canada. Samples were collected from colonoscopy patients prior to colonoscopy. All 74 subjects were included in CRC vs. non-CRC analysis, whereas only 70 subjects were analyzed for colorectal adenomatous polyps and cancer versus individuals with no evidence of disease and non-adenomatous polyps. NMT2 expression was tested in samples by immunohistochemistry. Results The expression of NMT2 was significantly higher in PBMC of subjects with colorectal adenomatous polyps and cancer (n = 34) compared with individuals with non-adenomatous polyps or no evidence of disease (n = 36) (P < 0.0001). The test had an overall sensitivity of 91% (95% confidence intervals: 84.49-97.80) and specificity of 81% (95% confidence intervals: 71.28-89.83) in detecting colorectal adenomatous polyps and cancer (all stages). Conclusions Our results suggest that the sensitivity of NMT2 in detecting adenomatous polyps is high (91%). A simple blood-based CRC screening test using NMT2 expression detects colorectal adenomatous polyps and cancer with high sensitivity and specificity has the potential of increasing the compliance for CRC screening as has been reported for other blood-based CRC screening tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharmini Rathinagopal
- From the VastCon Inc, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Shiv Bhanot
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Jordan Min
- From the VastCon Inc, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nan Hu
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - John Fang
- Division of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Tom H. Greene
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - Harminder Singh
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, Canada. Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Anuraag Shrivastav
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, Canada. Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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17
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High Density of CD16+ Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Is Associated with Enhanced Responsiveness to Chemotherapy and Prolonged Overall Survival. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225783. [PMID: 34830938 PMCID: PMC8616362 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The late—and in most cases at an advanced stage—diagnosis of patients with ovarian cancer (OC) and the high recurrence rate make this malignant disease the most lethal among gynecological cancers. With a mortality-to-incidence ratio of 0.74, OC is a tumor with the fifth most frequent progression after esophageal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and brain tumors. The updated FIGO staging system is the gold standard in the clinic and includes surgical, radiologic, and pathologic elements to describe the extent of OC. This system is used to describe tumor extent, plan further therapy, and predict prognosis. However, it is consistently observed that patients with identical stages and treatments have a completely different outcome in terms of survival and recurrence. This fact indicates that this classification alone is not sufficient for the prognosis of OC in the vast majority of cases. Over the last two decades, many studies have demonstrated the critical role of the tumor microenvironment in tumorigenesis, progression, prognosis, and response to chemotherapy. In the current study, we investigate the role of CD16 expression in OC. Abstract Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most aggressive and fatal malignancy of the female reproductive system. Debulking surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy represents the standard treatment, but recurrence rates are particularly high. Over the past decades, the association between the immune system and cancer progression has been extensively investigated. However, the interaction between chemotherapy and cancer immune infiltration is still unclear. In this study, we examined the prognostic role of CD16 expression in OC, as related to the effectiveness of standard adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. Methods: We analyzed the infiltration by immune cells expressing CD16, a well-characterized natural killer (NK) and myeloid cell marker, in a tissue microarray (TMA) of 47 patient specimens of primary OCs and their matching recurrences by immunohistochemistry (IHC). We analyzed our data first in the whole cohort, then in the primary tumors, and finally in recurrences. We focused on recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and chemosensitivity. Chemosensitivity was defined as RFS of more than 6 months. Results: There was no significant correlation between CD16 expression and prognosis in primary carcinomas. However, interestingly, a high density of CD16-expressing tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) in recurrent carcinoma was associated with better RFS (p = 0.008) and OS (p = 0.029). Moreover, high CD16 cell density in recurrent ovarian carcinoma showed a significant association with chemosensitivity (p = 0.034). Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the high expression of CD16+ TIC in recurrent cancer biopsies is significantly associated with an increased RFS (HR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.24–0.99; p = 0.047) and OS (HR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.10–0.77; p = 0.013). However, this was not independent of known prognostic factors such as age, FIGO stage, resection status, and the number of chemotherapy cycles. Conclusions: The high density of CD16-expressing TICs in recurrent ovarian cancer is associated with a better RFS and OS, thereby suggesting a previously unsuspected interaction between standard OC chemotherapy and immune cell infiltration.
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Yuan R, Yu J, Jiao Z, Li J, Wu F, Yan R, Huang X, Chen C. The Roles of Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells in Lung Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:710375. [PMID: 34707601 PMCID: PMC8542931 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.710375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique environment of the lungs is protected by complex immune interactions. Human lung tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) have been shown to position at the pathogen entry points and play an essential role in fighting against viral and bacterial pathogens at the frontline through direct mechanisms and also by orchestrating the adaptive immune system through crosstalk. Recent evidence suggests that TRM cells also play a vital part in slowing down carcinogenesis and preventing the spread of solid tumors. Less beneficially, lung TRM cells can promote pathologic inflammation, causing chronic airway inflammatory changes such as asthma and fibrosis. TRM cells from infiltrating recipient T cells may also mediate allograft immunopathology, hence lung damage in patients after lung transplantations. Several therapeutic strategies targeting TRM cells have been developed. This review will summarize recent advances in understanding the establishment and maintenance of TRM cells in the lung, describe their roles in different lung diseases, and discuss how the TRM cells may guide future immunotherapies targeting infectious diseases, cancers and pathologic immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yuan
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiang Yu
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ziqiao Jiao
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinfei Li
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rongkai Yan
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Xiaojie Huang
- Department Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precise Treatment of Lung Cancer, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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19
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Diehl TM, Abbott DE. Molecular Determinants and Other Factors to Guide Selection of Patients for Hepatic Resection of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2021; 22:82. [PMID: 34224023 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-021-00878-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) has changed significantly over the last few decades as cytotoxic and targeted chemotherapies have evolved and resection of (technically feasible) colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) has become standard of care for eligible patients. Overall, survival for metastatic CRC has considerably improved, but recurrences are common. Numerous clinical risk scores have been suggested to guide patient selection for CRLM resection, but none perfectly predict outcomes; therefore, a personalized approach to metastatic CRC treatment using genetic profiles for risk stratification and prognostication is a critically important advancement. All patients with suspected metastatic CRC should undergo genetic testing for common oncogene mutations (e.g., KRAS, BRAF, and NRAS) in addition to a triphasic CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis; if hepatectomy may be entertained and there is concern about the future liver remnant (FLR), liver volumetrics should also be performed. MRI and PET are useful adjuncts for cases in which diagnosis or extent of disease is unclear. The decision to operate should be individualized and based on each patient's condition, tumor biology, and technical resectability. Genetic profiles should be used to inform multidisciplinary meetings surrounding topics of chemotherapy and surgical resection, as well as patient discussions concerning the risks and benefits of surgery. In the end, most patients with technically resectable colorectal cancers and adequate cardiopulmonary fitness benefit from surgical resection, as it remains the only chance of long-term survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Diehl
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Daniel E Abbott
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
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